Explore Canadianwork permit pathways.
Open permits, employer-specific permits, LMIA-based options, PGWP, spousal permits, bridging permits and specialized programs — compare them and find the route that fits your circumstances.
- Open
- Work for most employers
- Employer-specific
- Tied to one named employer
- LMIA or exempt
- Two very different routes
- Status first
- Timing and gaps matter most
Overview
Open vs. employer-specific permits
An open work permit generally lets you work for most employers in Canada without a named employer or a job offer — but you still have to qualify for a specific category (PGWP, spousal open work permit, bridging open work permit, and so on). Changing employers is usually permitted while the permit is valid, subject to restrictions.
An employer-specific permit names the employer, the role and often the location. It normally requires a job offer, and may require a positive LMIA — though LMIA exemptions exist (intra-company transfer, Francophone Mobility, C10, C11). Changing employers normally requires a new permit.
Quick pathway finder
This is general direction, not an eligibility decision. Every case turns on the applicant, the employer, the job, the immigration status and the program rules.
- I graduated in Canada → Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- I have a Canadian job offer → LMIA-based permit, or an LMIA-exempt category.
- My spouse studies or works in Canada → Spousal Open Work Permit.
- I applied for permanent residence → Bridging Open Work Permit.
- I am an entrepreneur or a transferee → C11 or Intra-Company Transfer.
- I am in an unsafe job → Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permit.
The detail
What you need to know
Open work permit routes
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
- Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permit.
- International Experience Canada — Working Holiday.
Employer-supported routes
- LMIA-based closed work permit.
- LMIA Services for employers.
- Global Talent Stream.
- Intra-Company Transfer.
- Francophone Mobility (LMIA-exempt).
- C10 significant benefit / C11 entrepreneur.
The comparison that matters
Named employer? Job offer required? LMIA required? Can you change employers? Those four questions separate almost every permit type. PGWP, an eligible SOWP and a BOWP are open. LMIA-based, ICT and Francophone Mobility are employer-specific.
How we help
We map your status, your timeline and your goal to the permit that actually fits — and flag the status gaps that quietly disqualify people before they ever apply.
Step by step
How the process works
- 1
Status review
Where you stand today, and for how long.
- 2
Route selection
Match your situation to a permit category.
- 3
Employer check
If employer-supported, confirm LMIA or exemption.
- 4
Documents
Build the checklist for your category.
- 5
Submit
File before status lapses.
- 6
Work
Understand the conditions on your permit.
Next step
Not sure which permit fits?
Book a consultation and we will identify the categories you actually qualify for, in order of strength — rather than filing the first one that looks plausible.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current IRCC requirements before applying.
Talk to a regulated consultant
We confirm eligibility, flag the risks, and build the document plan before anything is filed.
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